2009 in review: Running back

What happened: The position was thrown into brief but traumatic turmoil in Oregon’s opener, when Blount ran for negative yardage at Boise State and then punched an opponent, leading to a lengthy suspension. He didn’t return until the Civil War, scoring a touchdown against the Beavers and also in the Rose Bowl, though his fumble on a botched exchange with Jeremiah Masoli was a crucial moment in the loss to Ohio State. Blount’s suspension was the darkest moment of the season, but the outlook changed significantly over the course of the next two weeks as James emerged as a top-tier Pac-10 back. The little jitterbug from Texas ended up running for 1,546 yards, second all-time at Oregon, with 14 touchdowns. He became a better breakaway threat later in the season, and went on to be named the Pac-10’s freshman player of the year on offense, and a freshman all-American.

Barner moved over to offense during the offseason and provided a dynamic complement to James. He averaged six yards per carry on his 61 carries, and was Oregon’s most dangerous dimension on offense in the Rose Bowl in the fly sweep. Barner’s emergence meant a meager 50 carries for Crenshaw in his senior season, though he handled his role like a professional. Alston was in and out of the lineup due to academics. The scout-team running back for most of the year was Blount, though Jide Shinaba filled that role as well and also had four carries against Washington State.

What’s on the horizon: With another big year, James could become Oregon’s career rushing leader after just two seasons. He heads into his second straight offseason with a left shoulder injury to address, but he proved durable during the season despite being undersized. If he stays healthy, the Ducks have a star tailback on their hands for the next three years. How the rest of the depth chart shapes up in the future depends a lot on this recruiting class. The Ducks already have one bigger back committed in Dontae Williams, and they’re pursing others both big (Marcus Lattimore) and speedy (Lache Seastrunk). Some fans have speculated about Barner perhaps moving back to defense if one of those two signs at Oregon; from this vantage point that would be unexpected.